The writer of Hebrews offers us a profound insight into the nature of our relationship with God: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6, NLT). This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding both the nature of faith and the blessings that come with earnestly pursuing God. Let’s explore seven specific rewards of seeking God and how they reveal themselves in our lives.
1. The Reward of His Presence
When we seek God, the first and greatest reward is His presence. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” God’s presence brings comfort, guidance, and peace that transcends our understanding. In the Old Testament, David captured this beautifully: “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
Spending time with God through prayer, worship, and reading His Word enables us to experience the nearness of His Spirit. It’s in these moments that we truly know we are never alone.
2. The Reward of Transformation
As we seek God, He transforms us from the inside out. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Seeking God aligns our hearts with His will and molds our character to reflect His holiness.
This transformation is not always immediate, but as we spend time with God, we notice changes in our desires, attitudes, and actions. We begin to love what He loves and hate what He hates. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—becomes evident in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).
3. The Reward of Wisdom
Seeking God brings clarity and wisdom for life’s decisions. Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105), guiding us through the complexities of life.
Through prayer and seeking His guidance, we gain insights that go beyond human understanding. Whether it’s a career decision, family matter, or personal struggle, God’s wisdom provides a foundation for sound choices.
4. The Reward of Peace
In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, seeking God leads to a supernatural peace. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This peace does not mean the absence of challenges but rather an assurance that God is in control. It’s the calm in the storm that allows us to trust Him even when circumstances seem impossible.
5. The Reward of Purpose
When we seek God, He reveals His purpose for our lives. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Knowing our purpose gives us a sense of direction and fulfillment. As we walk in obedience to His calling, we find that our lives have eternal significance. Our daily actions, no matter how small, become part of God’s grand narrative.
6. The Reward of Strength
God provides the strength we need when we seek Him. Isaiah 40:31 declares, “But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Life often brings challenges that test our endurance, but seeking God equips us with the spiritual and emotional strength to persevere. His power is made perfect in our weakness, enabling us to accomplish what we could not do on our own (2 Corinthians 12:9).
7. The Reward of Eternal Life
The ultimate reward of seeking God is eternal life with Him. Jesus promised, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Beyond the blessings we experience on earth, those who earnestly seek God are assured of spending eternity in His presence.
Revelation 21:3-4 gives us a glimpse of this reward: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Practical Steps to Seek God
- Prioritize Time with Him: Set aside daily moments for prayer, Bible reading, and worship.
- Engage in Community: Join a group of believers who encourage and challenge you in your faith.
- Obey His Word: Live according to the principles and commands of Scripture.
- Be Persistent: Seeking God is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event.
- Trust His Promises: Believe that God rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
Final Thoughts
Seeking God is not about earning His favor but about deepening our relationship with Him. As we pursue Him with sincere hearts, we discover the abundant rewards of His presence, transformation, wisdom, peace, purpose, strength, and the hope of eternal life. These rewards remind us that God is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him, fulfilling His promise to bless those who draw near to Him. Let us commit to seeking Him wholeheartedly, trusting that He will meet us with His unfailing love and grace.
